Cannabis Nutritional Glossary

ADAPTOGENIC

Refers to the pharmacological concept whereby administration results in stabilization of physiological processes and promotion of homeostasis, for example, decreased cellular sensitivity to stress. Adaptogens not only increase the resistance to the adverse effects of long-term stress, the majority are also a tonic, immune-stimulating and increase general sense of well-being.

CB1ANDCB2 RECEPTORS

There are currently two known subtypes of cannabinoid receptors, termed CB 1 and CB2. The CB1 receptor is expressed mainly in the brain (central nervous system or “CNSM), but also in the lungs, liver and kidneys. The CB2 receptor is expressed mainly in the immune system and in hematopoietic cells.

CULTIVARS

An organism and especially one of an agricultural or horticultural variety or strain originating and persistent under cultivation.

ENDOGENOUS CANNABINOID SYSTEM

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a group of endogenous cannabinoid receptors located in the mammalian brain and throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, consisting of neuromodulatory lipids and their receptors. Known as “the body’s own cannabinoid system,” the ECS is involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory, and in mediating the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

HOMEOSTASIS

The tendency of a system, especially the physiological system of higher animals, to maintain internal stability, owing to the coordinated response of its parts to any situation or stimulus that would tend to disturb its normal condition or function.

PHYTOCANNABINOIDS

MICROBIOME

A community of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that inhabit a particular environment anti especially the collection of microorganisms living in or on the human body.

PYRUVATE

A very important biological molecule. It’s involved in a number of biological processes and is essential in cellular respiration.

TERPENES

A large and diverse class of organic compounds produced by a variety of plants, including cannabis. Terpenes often have a strong odor and may protect the plants that produce them by deterring herbivores and by attracting predators and parasites of herbivores. The difference between terpenes and terpenoids is that terpenes are hydrocarbons, whereas terpenoids contain additional functional groups. Cannabis terpenes are numerous and are secreted by the same glands that produce cannabinoids. Research is revealing remarkable properties in terpenes and cannabis terpenes may play a critical roles in therapeutic effect.

UPREGULATE

The process of increasing the response to a stimulus; specifically: increase in a cellular response to a molecular stimulus due to increase in the number of receptors on the cell surface.